Just a few citations from the second reading. A consistent refrain that we often have problems hearing. Oh, and another example of Paul raging against autolaborological fundamentalism.

Philippians 3:4b-14

Verses 7-9 are cited in Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article 5: Law and Gospel (SD 5.37) to show that the problem with good works is not the works themselves, but the "false trust that is placed in such works." See! Autolaborological fundamentalism! This false trust is idolatry.

Verse 9 by itself is cited in Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article 3: Righteousness (SD 3.17), as proof to show that justification is reckoned by God to faith.

TheoThru

Again, the question comes down to who we trust. Paul's consistent refrain that is picked up by the reformers calls us to not look to ourselves or our actions to make us righteous.

How do we proclaim faith that moves us to acts of love without leading people to think that the acts of love are salvific?

Are we willing to give up our assumption of control and pour it out as an offering to Jesus?